What is the origin of Satan?

July 10th 2015 | 41358 views 

Satan (known originally as Lucifer) was one of God's angels in heaven. Satan was originally created good. It was said about Satan, "You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until unrighteousness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:15).  In fact, he was an angel of a very high order. 

We know that unlike God, Satan had a beginning and will have an end. In Isaiah 14:12 it reads, "How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you have weakened the nations!" This verse indicates that Satan indeed was an angel in the heavens but was punished for his wickedness.

What did Satan do? Isaiah 14:13, "But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'" Essentially, Satan wanted more power. He had selfish ambitions and wanted to be just as powerful as God, if not more. 

We know, however, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11). Satan is a perfect example of the first half of this scripture. His pride and ambition cost him his position in heaven. God had to revoke the privilege Satan initially had in the heavens with God. While ambition is necessary for the Lord's people, it's important to note that it isn't a selfish ambition, yearning for greatness or prominence. Rather, it's a humble, loving ambition to serve the Lord and his people. This kind of ambition is the kind talked about in the second half of the scripture, and Jesus is our wonderful example that we must strive to model ourselves after.

Finally, Ezekiel 28 explains who Satan was, when he was created and the reason he was cast out of heaven. While the following verses were in context directed at the King of Tyrus, the king symbolized Satan. For instance, verse 13 states that "You were in Eden, the garden of God." We know it was Satan who was in the Garden of Eden who tempted Adam and Eve. This is the first account where Satan outright defied God's wishes. Therefore, we can safely deduce that the following verses also describe Satan. Verse 14 states, "You were on the holy mountain of God" and in verse 15, "You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until unrighteousness was found in you." Satan was an "anointed (or covering) cherub" (verse 14; he was in charge of watching over Adam and Eve), who "had the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty" (verse 13). As the “son of dawn,” he was one of God's earliest creations. His demise is guaranteed because "you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor" (verse 17). 

While we consider Satan to be the prince of this world today, God promises to Satan in verse 19, “you will cease to be forever.” Isaiah 14:15, "Nevertheless you will be thrust down to sheol (the grave), to the recesses of the pit", which would be Satan's ultimate, final destruction. 

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast 
Episode #1222: "How Is Satan Trying to Devour Me?" 
How the Devil attempts to sabotage my Christian life  
Preview Video  
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1266: “Why Doesn’t God Just Destroy Satan?”
Satan’s history and God’s righteous reasons for keeping him alive
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1305: “How Do Satanic Demons Influence Our World?”
Establishing the origin, power and methods of dark spiritual beings
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For kids, parents and Bible class teachers:
CQ Kids Video: “What does the Bible say about Satan?”
CQ Kids Video: “Who is Satan?”
CQ Kids Video: “Why didn't God stop Satan from tempting Eve?”

Video Sermon: Stand your ground! Don't let the lion’s roar DEVOUR you through the physical maladies of life. Instead, remain DEVOUT in your working alongside our Lord Jesus knowing that every ounce of our physical strength is sanctified to the very end of our course. Watch this video sermon to learn more about the lion's roar. "The Lion's Roar" 

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